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Bucs Focus On Team Success

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 20, 2007

TAMPA - The vistas of Glendale, Ariz., won't ever be confused with the shores of Waikiki, but the Buccaneers appear far more interested in a Super Bowl berth than an all-expenses-paid trip to the Pro Bowl.

Tampa Bay did not place a player on the NFC's Pro Bowl roster for the Feb. 10 game at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, despite a 9-5 record and an NFC South championship.

"To be overlooked like that, with some of our players having unbelievable years, it's hard to believe nobody here has been recognized for it," said CB Brian Kelly. "But our ultimate goal is to win a championship. We can all get a ticket to Hawaii, fly out there as a team and hang out."

It appears the 10-year Pro Bowl streak of LB Derrick Brooks has come to an end, and voters also bypassed CB Ronde Barber, WR Joey Galloway and Jeff Garcia, the third-rated passer in the NFC.

"It's not about individual recognition, it's about getting to Arizona, somehow, some way," Garcia said Wednesday. "It's unfortunate that some of the guys weren't recognized for their great play this year, but that's just how it's been for this team throughout the season."

Even 49ers coach Mike Nolan was stunned the NFC's No. 1 defense was overlooked.

"Barber didn't go?" Nolan asked during a conference call. "I'll be darned ... that surprises me. It's also a credit to the coaching staff, if you don't have guys going to the Pro Bowl and you play that well together."

INJURY UPDATE: LBs Patrick Chukwurah (hamstring) and Ryan Nece (groin) did not practice Wednesday, and FB B.J. Askew (ankle) participated on a limited basis.

"I'm optimistic," Coach Jon Gruden said of Askew, whose blocking skills have played a key role for the league's 10th-rated ground game. "He's closing in, I think, on being ready to play."

Gruden said DE Greg Spires, who hasn't dressed for the last six games due to a calf injury, could return Sunday.

PLAYOFF TICKETS: Tickets for Tampa Bay's NFC wild-card playoff game at Raymond James Stadium will go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.

As division winners, the Bucs will play Jan. 5 or Jan. 6 against the NFC's No. 5 or No. 6 seed.

Fans can purchase tickets through Ticketmaster online, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at (813) 287-8844. The ticket limit is six per person.

Tickets will not be available at the stadium or at club headquarters.

RUSH TO JUDGMENT: Micheal Spurlock's historic return was recognized Wednesday when he was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

Spurlock became the first Buc to score a touchdown on a kickoff return when he dashed 90 yards against Atlanta during Sunday's 37-3 rout.

BUC BITS: The Bucs released FB Zack Crockett from the active roster and released TE Zac Herold from the practice squad. ... Spurlock is scheduled to appear before the opening faceoff of tonight's Lightning game against Toronto to lead fans in a "Let's play hockey" chant.

Ira Kaufman

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